Travel Portland Names New President and CEO

Travel Portland, the convention and visitor bureau for Oregon's largest city, has promoted its chief strategy officer, Megan Conway, to president and CEO. Taking over for Jeff Miller, who announced his retirement in June, Conway officially begins in her new role on Jan. 1.

"We searched the country to find the top talent for this position, and Megan was the hiring committee’s clear choice," said Katen Patel, president of K10 Hotels and chair of the Travel Portland board of directors. "In her work and throughout the interview process, Megan distinguished herself with a consistent track record of delivering results, driving innovative strategy, and demonstrating deep knowledge of the industry and organization. We are confident she will lead our destination toward a vibrant future.”

The tourism industry is essential to the city's economy: In 2023, visitors to Portland spent $5.4 billion, which generated $260 million in state and local tax revenue, while supporting 34,300 jobs and providing $1.7 billion in employment earnings.

"Megan has been an integral member of the Travel Portland executive team since 2020, helping guide our region’s vital hospitality industry during the most challenging period in its history," said Miller, who led the organization for 19 years. "Her unmatched leadership, insight and expertise — combined with her complete faith in Portland as a compelling destination — leave no doubt that she is the right individual to champion economic growth for Portland and the surrounding region through tourism." 

Leading in a thriving city

Conway is ready for her new challenge.

"Being trusted to lead Travel Portland into our next chapter is an honor, and I look forward to continuing the good work of Jeff Miller, our amazing staff, and all our partners as we build momentum and return Portland to its rightful place among can’t-miss destinations in the U.S.," she said. "As president and CEO, I will continue to prioritize innovative and inspirational initiatives that build up not only our tourism community, but our city as a whole."

Portland is expected to see continued growth in tourism under Conway’s leadership. This past summer tourism season was the best since before the pandemic, with 2.4 million visitors in June and July. The strong numbers extend to meetings and conventions with the Travel Portland convention sales team having booked approximately 300,000 future room nights for upcoming conventions, which is second only to 2018's bookings of about 317,000 future room nights.

The city is seeing strong performances in the education and life-sciences sectors. Notably, the National Education Association is bringing the largest event Portland has ever hosted to the Oregon Convention Center next July with an estimated 12,000 attendees. The Society for Advancement of Chic, which made a multiyear commitment to Portland, will return in 2028 and 2034.

Conway originally joined the CVB in 2003 in communications, leaving to join Adidas's public relations team five years later. She returned to Portland in 2010 and has been working her way up ever since. Her involvement in local, regional, and national associations and initiatives provides Travel Portland with an influential ambassador near and far. Conway is a member of the U.S. Travel Association's Communications Council and was a member of its first class of Emerging Travel Leaders program.